Abortions to Resume in Missouri after Judge Blocks Restrictions
Judge’s Ruling
A judge in Kansas City, Missouri, has blocked regulations that had restricted abortion providers, allowing the procedure to resume in the state. The ruling came after a lawsuit by abortion-rights advocates challenged the regulations, which had been in place since 2022.
Background
Missouri voters approved an amendment to the state’s constitution to enshrine abortion rights in November 2024. The amendment did not legalize abortion outright but required judges to reevaluate laws that had almost completely banned the procedure. Planned Parenthood and other advocates sued to overturn Missouri’s near-total abortion ban, which was implemented after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision in June 2022.
Licensing Requirements
The licensing requirements for abortion facilities, which were put in place by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, were deemed "facially discriminatory" by Jackson County Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang. The judge ruled that the requirement for providers to give "medically unnecessary and invasive" pelvic exams and meet "medically irrelevant" size requirements for hallways, rooms, and doors was discriminatory and did not treat similar healthcare services, such as miscarriage care, equally.
Reactions
Margot Riphagen, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, welcomed the decision, stating that it affirms that the state’s abortion facility licensing requirements were not about patient safety but rather a politically motivated barrier to prevent patients from seeking abortion. "Today’s decision affirms what we’ve already long known — the state’s abortion facility licensing requirements were not about patient safety, but rather another politically motivated barrier to prevent patients seeking abortion from getting the care they need," she said.
Mallory Schwarz, executive director of Abortion Action Missouri, expressed excitement about the possibility of restarting abortion services, stating that the change will transform the landscape for Missourians and the entire Midwest region, providing greater access to abortion care.
What’s Next
The ruling is a temporary order pending the outcome of the lawsuit by abortion-rights advocates. Clinic partners are working quickly to start providing abortions again in the coming days. Missouri’s constitutional amendment allows lawmakers to restrict abortion after viability with exceptions to protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant person.
Conclusion
The resumption of abortions in Missouri is a significant development in the ongoing debate over reproductive rights. The ruling by Judge Jerri Zhang has cleared the way for abortion providers to operate in the state, providing hope for those seeking access to this important healthcare service.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does the ruling mean for abortion providers in Missouri?
The ruling allows abortion providers to resume operations in the state, pending the outcome of the lawsuit. - What are the next steps for abortion providers?
Providers are working quickly to restart services, with plans to begin providing abortions in the coming days. - What does the constitutional amendment allow?
The amendment allows lawmakers to restrict abortion after viability, with exceptions to protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant person.
